LET'S DISCUSS THE DISCUS

Care, Diet, Disease and Treatment

- Sunil Dcosta

Discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) are a popular and highly valued species of freshwater tropical fish that are native to the Amazon Basin in South America. They are known for their distinctive disc-shaped bodies and vibrant colours, making them a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts around the world.

There are several different types or species of Discus fish, which can be distinguished by their colours, patterns and other physical characteristics. Some of the most common types of Discus fish include:

1. Blue Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) - characterised by a blue-green body with vertical stripes.

2. Brown Discus (Symphysodon discus) - often called the "Royal" or "Heckel" Discus, these fish have a distinctive pattern of horizontal stripes on their body.

3. Green Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) - these Discus have a greenish body with a red eye and can have horizontal or vertical stripes.

4. Red Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) - these Discus have a deep red body with a yellow-orange face.

5. Snakeskin Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) - these Discus have a unique pattern of interconnected lines on their body, resembling a snakeskin pattern.

6. Turquoise Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) - these Discus have a bright blue-green body with red eyes.

Discus fish are highly prized by aquarium enthusiasts for their beauty and unique personalities, but they require careful attention to water quality and temperature to thrive in captivity. They are native to slow-moving, acidic waters in the Amazon Basin, so maintaining appropriate water conditions in an aquarium can be challenging.